Papillon grooming tools

Papillons have a very long single-layered coat and are an average shedder; brushing at least two or three times a week is encouraged. And while dry grooming Papillons is sufficient the majority of time, occasionally there will be a noticeable smell coming from his or her coat, signifying the need of a bath.

Papillon bathing is simple and begins with purchasing shampoo and conditioner. Many pet-specific brands are available and any will work; the local pet store may be able to provide a recommendation that is more beneficial to the long, silky-soft Papillon coat.

With shampoo and conditioner in reach, fill up a sink or bathtub with water and first shampoo then condition the soaking Papillon. Be sure to work the conditioner through the coat, down to the skin to ensure proper moisturizing. After the bath, owners can choose to towel, air, or blow dry their Papillon. Performing this process every week or two is encouraged since it promotes Papillon health and makes them smell nice! Washing and bathing are not the only two Papillon grooming techniques that contribute to Papillon health.

Wide varieties of hair and nail clippers both electric and manual, simple and professional for small dogs are available and can be chosen based on personal preference. Rub them and feel out for any lumps, bumps, dry patches or areas of hair loss. If you do notice any of these, you may need to consult your vet. Brushing is required x per week for a papillon to keep the coat in optimal condition and disseminate their natural oils across it.

This will help the coat glisten while also supporting further hair growth. Begin by brushing your dogs head and continue downward toward their tail. The hair on a papillons head does not grow out very long and will not need much. However, they do have a long fringe over the ears and the sides of their heads.

Use your brush softly here to remove any tangles that have developed. If you do notice mats, be extra cautious and do not cause your dog any distress by tugging at them. Be gentle at all times. Move down to your dogs body, ensuring you brush out the legs, back, belly and the long tail. Always be careful if you do encounter any matts.

This is why a Slicker brush comes so strongly recommended. This is the one to get on Amazon. They do not require bathing too frequently. The only exception is when they get dirty, muddy or lie in something smelly. When your dog is wet following a bath, you will need to dry them appropriately.

You cannot leave them to dry naturally as this can cause a sudden change in temperature, cause a chill and stress out your dog. Its important that you clean the area around your dogs eyes. Look for any discharge, sleep or any other signs of irritation.

Next, move onto the ears. You want to prevent ant dirt, bacteria and wax does not develop inside the ear which can be painful and cause inflammation. Do not place anything too invasive inside them, even cotton ear buds can be too much. Dog ear solutions work well and are typically advised to keep this area clean and free from infection. As previously mentioned, cleaning the teeth should be done regularly. Either by yourself, or by your dog. Its important not to let plaque build in the mouth as it can be difficult to remove and can cause a number of health conditions such as tooth decay and in extreme cases, heart disease.

Providing dental toys or chews are also another, more practical option and they have the added benefit of helping to keep your dog entertained. Nail clipping can be done as and when requited, just ensure you use the right tools. Nevertheless, it is important that your papillons nails do not grow too long as this can be very uncomfortable for them and even lead to issues walking. When cutting, work through each nail, being sure not to go too far. Dog nail trimmers are designed with a safety mechanism to stop this from happening which is why the are advised.

Be careful not to nip the quick this is a separate part of the nail that actually living tissue and contains blood vessels and nerves.

If it is cut, it will bleed, cause pain and an infection can develop if it is not cleaned. Papillons only require a light trim every now and again in order for them to look at their best. For the most part, the face needs minimal touching up whereas the rest of the coat can be taken back a little shorter with a pair of scissors. This best-selling grooming kit on Amazon , includes all that you will need to trim your papillon.

Follow the steps below in order to effectively trim your dog back from the comfort of your own home:. Start with your papillons feet. Begin by crouching down and holding your dog firmly against your lap with their back against you.

Hold one of your dogs hind feet in one hand, and with the other take a pair of scissors and trim the hair on the bottom of their foot around the pads. Cut evenly and reduce this hair in length. Then, trim back the hair that is on the top of the feet, being sure to leave a longer strip of hair toward the end of the toes.

But, making sure the hair does not extend beyond them. Not the most pleasurable of steps, but one required nonetheless. Lift your dogs bushy tail and trim back the hair around the anus. When you find a small section of tangled or matted hair, avoid pulling at it with your brush. Instead, try to separate the hair with your fingers, brushing through just one tiny section at a time.

Rubbing a little cornstarch into the mat and letting it work its way into the area for a few minutes before brushing is also said to help make mat removal easier. For larger knots, consider investing in a mat splitter. This sickle-shaped device helps shred the most stubborn mats; however, the remaining fur will usually be more prone to matting as it grows out, so only use this tool as a last resort.

The best way to keep your Papillon free of mats and tangles is to brush him every day. A remarkable number of mats appear in this area, but they are easily overlooked unless an owner is vigilant. Moreover, these dense knots can make walking very uncomfortable for your tiny pet.

By keeping this area well trimmed, you can prevent the mats from forming in the first place. This will allow you to reach the excess fur and carefully cut it away with grooming scissors or clippers.